Question 201 of 949
| TºC |
0 |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
40 |
60 |
| S.V.P(mmHg) |
4.58 |
6.51 |
8.94 |
12.67 |
17.50 |
55.10 |
149.00 |
The table above shows the saturation vapour pressure against temperature in a certain town. If the vapour pressure in this town at 20oC is 10mmHg, what is the relative humidity?
- A. 170.0%
- B. 57.0%
- C. 17.5%
- D. 10.0%
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
To determine the relative humidity in the given scenario, we need to understand the relationship between the actual vapor pressure and the saturation vapor pressure at a specific temperature. Let's break down the problem step-by-step.
### Step 1: Understanding Saturation Vapor Pressure (SVP)
Saturation vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by water vapor in the air when it is in equilibrium with liquid water at a given temperature. The table provided shows the saturation vapor pressures (SVP) at various temperatures in degrees Celsius (°C).
### Step 2: Identify the Given Values
From the table:
- At 20°C, the saturation vapor pressure (SVP) is **17.50 mmHg**.
- The actual vapor pressure (AVP) in the town at 20°C is given as **10 mmHg**.
### Step 3: Calculate Relative Humidity (RH)
Relative humidity is defined as the ratio of the actual vapor pressure to the saturation vapor pressure, expressed as a percentage. The formula for relative humidity is:
\[
\text{Relative Humidity (RH)} = \left( \frac{\text{Actual Vapor Pressure (AVP)}}{\text{Saturation Vapor Pressure (SVP)}} \right) \times 100\%
\]
### Step 4: Plug in the Values
Now, we can substitute the values we have into the formula:
\[
\text{RH} = \left( \frac{10 \text{ mmHg}}{17.50 \text{ mmHg}} \right) \times 100\%
\]
### Step 5: Perform the Calculation
1. Calculate the fraction:
\[
\frac{10}{17.50} \approx 0.5714
\]
2. Convert to percentage:
\[
0.5714 \times 100\% \approx 57.14\%
\]
### Step 6: Round the Result
Rounding 57.14% gives us approximately **57.0%**.
### Conclusion
Thus, the relative humidity in the town at 20°C with an actual vapor pressure of 10 mmHg is approximately **57.0%**. Therefore, the correct answer is **B. 57.0%**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **A. 170.0%**: This value is not possible because relative humidity cannot exceed 100%. It suggests that the actual vapor pressure is greater than the saturation vapor pressure, which is not physically feasible.
- **C. 17.5%**: This value is misleading as it appears to be the saturation vapor pressure at 20°C, not the relative humidity. It does not represent the actual conditions.
- **D. 10.0%**: This option represents the actual vapor pressure as a percentage of the saturation vapor pressure, but it does not account for the saturation condition. It is incorrect as it does not reflect the relationship needed to calculate relative humidity.
### Revision Summary
- Relative humidity is calculated using the formula: \( \text{RH} = \left( \frac{\text{AVP}}{\text{SVP}} \right) \times 100\% \).
- At 20°C, the saturation vapor pressure is 17.50 mmHg, and the actual vapor pressure is 10 mmHg.
- The calculated relative humidity is approximately 57.0%.
- Relative humidity cannot exceed 100%, and values like 170.0% or 10.0% do not accurately represent the conditions described.